Most people have been working from home for over a year now since the pandemic started. As companies slowly begin opening their offices again, it may take some time for employees to readjust to being back at an office from 9 p.m. – 5 p.m. After working from home for so long in a space where they feel comfortable, the transition may be a little difficult for some employees. We’ve compiled a list of ideas to revamp your office space to make the transition more smooth and enjoyable as workers head back to the office!

Invest in Comfortable Desk Chairs

Employees who have been working at home for over 12 months are most likely used to working in a position and/or location where they feel most comfortable. Some may stand, but others may curl up on the couch and kick their feet up! As noted in our blog for National Safety Month, musculoskeletal disorders are the most common form of workplace injuries, and they can be caused by something as simple as sitting in the wrong position (or the wrong chair) for too long. While paying for proper desk chairs may seem like a big investment, they can pay off in the long run by making your employees more comfortable, and ultimately safer, while they work. If you’re looking to make an adjustment in office seating, check out our selection of ergonomic chairs!

Change Up Office Decor

A little decoration can go a long way when it comes to office spaces. Not only should your office design reflect your company culture and brand, but it should be aesthetically pleasing in order to boost employee morale and productivity. If employees feel content in their workspaces, they will be better positioned to enjoy their time in the office. A well-placed lamp with the right lighting or a colorful rug in the perfect room might be just the addition your office needs to liven up the atmosphere. It’s important to remember that while office decor should be visually appealing, it should also be functional in order to support the needs of each department. From lamps and lighting to rugs and frames, Strickland has a wide variety of decor products to choose from when you’re ready to spice up your office space!

Make Sure the Break Room is Stocked

When employees work from home, a quick snack, meal or much needed cup of coffee is only a few steps away. Once they return to the office, it’s important to make sure that the break room is once again fully stocked for lunch breaks and other periods of rest during the day. This doesn’t mean you need to have a full fledged buffet ready in the break room at all times — simply a good coffee maker can go a long way, especially during an eight hour work day. Allow employees to bring their own items from home, too, and make sure there are proper organization supplies and appliances so everything is kept in order without becoming cluttered. Strickland has an extensive selection of breakroom supplies and appliances to choose from.

Make Meeting Spaces as Brainstorm Friendly as Possible

The best ideas often come from group brainstorming sessions. For these meeting spaces, it makes sense to have tools such as whiteboards, scratch paper and pens, markers, and pencils. Encourage your workers to put forth any and all ideas, even those that aren’t fully formed yet. Collaboration is crucial in brainstorming sessions, and it is important that these meetings feel less structured than your standard informational sessions.

All information sourced from International Paper Company, 2021 and The Alabama Forestry Commission, 2021.

Let Employees Bring a Touch of Their Own Style to Their Personal Workspaces

Giving employees the liberty to bring their own personalities to their individual workspaces will allow them to feel more comfortable (and might even make them more excited to come into work!) Some may opt for an eclectic calendar or paper weight while others can’t resist the appeal of an indoor plant or succulent. While maintaining an overarching sense of unity in the office is crucial to ensuring a consistent company culture, employees who don’t feel as if their individuality and personal style are being stifled will be happier coming to the office.

Overall, a back-to-the-office revamp doesn’t necessarily need to be a complete overhaul of your current set up. Simply adding a few new pieces and thoughtful additions that show you’re thinking about your employees’ well-being and readjustment will go a long way. If you’re looking to finally give your office a makeover, visit Strickly Biz to browse through our complete selection of office supplies and furniture.